Waterproof Submersible Electrical Connectors

Many electrical applications require connection points that can resist water ingress. Most connectors are splashproof, but a waterproof connector creates a stronger seal that protects connections in harsh environments.

Suitable for marine and outdoor electronics, datacom/telecom infrastructure, off-road and railway equipment, and stage lighting and sound equipment. This series features quick and reliable bayonet coupling with tactile mating confirmation, IP68/69K protection even when unmated, and excellent corrosion resistance.

Silicone Sealant

Silicone sealants are a very popular choice for a wide variety of applications. They are a great option for waterproofing submersible electrical connectors as they create an effective barrier that will protect the wires from water infiltration. However, it is important to select a silicone sealant that is rated for your application and the operating environment. If the wrong sealant is used, it could disrupt critical signals or corrode contacts, which can lead to costly downtime and repairs.

Silicone caulk is available in a wide range of colors to help match the color of the surface you are sealing, and it is also highly flexible. It is generally a liquid consistency when first applied, but it cures to a rubber-like texture once exposed to heat and cold. It is sold in standalone squeeze tubes for hand application, as well as a wide range of applicator devices. For a neater finish, it can be dispensed through a caulking gun or dispensing syringe.

Most silicone sealants are rated for their resistance to UV radiation, thaw and freeze cycles, and high temperatures, making them ideal for outdoor use in many different environments. They are also a good choice for sealing sanded surfaces and can be used in conjunction with a primer to achieve better adhesion. It is a common choice for applications such as window sealing, kitchen and bathroom construction, crafting projects (including aquarium and terrarium sealants), and even appliance and automobile industry uses.

Epoxy Resin

A variety of adhesives and coatings are used to waterproof electrical connectors, but epoxy resin is among the most effective. It’s available in a number of formulations, including fast-setting formulas waterproof submersible electrical connectors and those that can be tinted to match the color of the surface being repaired or coated. Using the right epoxy for the job will ensure that it sets up and cures correctly.

The best choice for most waterproofing projects is a high-strength epoxy that can withstand harsh conditions and temperatures. For example, Loctite Epoxy Instant Mix 5 Minute is formulated to set up quickly and can be tinted to match the color and texture of the surrounding surface. It also features a static nozzle that automatically mixes the resin and hardener, saving you time and effort.

Another option for waterproofing electrical connectors is to use a rubber-molded underwater connector. These waterproof connectors feature a locking sleeve that seals both the male and female connector ends with a polyurethane or neoprene molded housing. They’re designed to withstand corrosion and can be mated while underwater, making them ideal for a variety of applications.

Many electrical industry workers use epoxy resins to build enclosures for motors, generators, transformers, and printed wiring boards (PWBs). It’s also a popular choice for consumers for repairing glass, ceramics, china, wood, metal, and latex domestic objects. When working with epoxy, it’s important to wear protective gloves and a plastic apron and work in a well-ventilated area where fumes can be easily cleared.

NiobiCon(tm)

Electrical connections in harsh environments often encounter moisture, and corrosion can cripple performance. These wet conditions can include humidity, rain, snow, saltwater and pressurized water used for cleaning or rinsing. Fortunately, engineers have developed many solutions that allow their connectors to operate reliably in wet environments.

One of the most innovative of these is NiobiCon, a waterproof connection that was designed to address the needs of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). Engineers were faced with two challenges when designing this connector: powering UUVs and protecting them from contact with seawater.

The solution came in the form of a natural element: niobium metal, which reacts with water to create an insulating film. This layer is only a few molecules thick, but it protects the niobium from corroding or shorting out electronics in contact with it. When a mating component made of the same transition metal contacts the pins and/or receptors of a NiobiCon connector, it disrupts the passivation layer by contact at local points and allows low-resistance communication while preventing current from flowing through the contact point to the water.

In this way, the NiobiCon connector can be mated and de-mated while the electrical contacts are completely exposed to water, without relying on complex seals or oil to exclude the water as in conventional wet-mate connectors. This makes the technology safer, less expensive and easier to manufacture than current underwater connectors.

Cable Glands

Cable glands provide a way to waterproof electrical connectors by preventing moisture, water or waterproof connector manufacturer dust from entering the screw connection. They are available in a variety of materials and designs to suit different situations, including single compression glands for lightly armored cables and type A3 cord grip varieties that include an electrical bonding function. It is important to consider the environment, the cable diameter and other specifications when choosing a cable gland.

Waterproof glands are used across a range of industries, including aerospace, manufacturing, marine, power and utilities, transportation and telecommunications. They are often used in electrical panels, junction boxes and control boxes, where they can be installed to protect the cables from external contaminants.

The most common types of waterproof glands are flanged, bolted or threaded. They can also be plastic or metal and can be rated to IP68, meaning they can be submerged in water for long periods of time. Some of them also feature wire mesh for additional strain relief and are liquid-tight to prevent penetrating water, oil and other substances from reaching the electrical connections.

When selecting a cable gland, it is important to consider the cable diameter, mounting hole size and adjustable diameter of the seal. It is also important to check the pressure rating, temperature range and other specifications. Other features to consider are the earth continuity and the ability of the gland to withstand peak sort circuit fault currents.